For generations of Roswell soccer players, Grimes Bridge Park has been a place to learn the game, compete and connect with teammates. On Thursday, Sept. 24, the City of Roswell celebrated the next chapter for the park’s soccer community with a ribbon-cutting ceremony officially marking the completion of the Grimes Bridge Park Soccer Field Improvements Project.
City leaders joined Roswell Recreation, Parks, Historic & Cultural Affairs, City staff, project partners and members of the community on the newly improved fields to celebrate an investment designed to give Roswell athletes a more reliable playing surface and greater opportunities to get on the field throughout the year.
“For years, soccer at Grimes Bridge has been a cornerstone of Roswell’s recreation programs, serving young players and adults alike,” said Director Steven Malone, Director of Roswell Recreation, Parks, Historic & Cultural Affairs. “Today, these fields have a new playing surface, a rebuilt foundation and a better experience for players and spectators.”
The improvements converted Soccer Fields #1 and #2 from natural grass to artificial turf, allowing for multiple field configurations, increased field availability and support for Developmental Players League requirements for Roswell’s Select soccer programs.
Councilmember Eren Brumley reflected during the ceremony on the role parks and recreation facilities play beyond the physical improvements themselves.
“Our parks are among this city’s most valuable assets,” Councilmember Brumley said. “They are where our families gather, where young athletes learn the game and where the character of our community truly comes to life.”
The $4.1 million project was made possible through Roswell’s voter-approved 2022 Parks Bond Program. In addition to the new playing surfaces, the project included a rebuilt retaining wall, new plaza and stairway connection, fencing and netting improvements, restoration of the on-site detention pond and stormwater improvements throughout the site.
During the ceremony, Malone also recognized the City staff, parks and athletics teams, design team Ardurra and general contractor Precision Turf, LLC for their roles in bringing the project from design through construction. He noted that Roswell’s athletics staff will now take the improved space and put it to work, programming the fields throughout the week to maximize opportunities for the community.
The celebration concluded with City leaders, staff and project partners gathering on the new fields for the ceremonial ribbon-cutting.
And while the ribbon has officially been cut, one more enhancement is still ahead. A landscape plan will add 29 new trees to Grimes Bridge Park this fall.
For more information about Grimes Bridge Park Soccer Fields Improvement, RoswellConnections.com/GrimesBridgePark.
